Project Info

Budget Information

SR 548 - Terrell Creek Fish Passage - Complete September 2011

OverviewTerrell Creek once supported viable runs of chum and coho salmon, as well as, coastal cutthroat and steelhead. Steelhead are currently listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Over the last 50 years these populations have drastically decreased. In recent years, there has been a push by community groups, state agencies and local businesses to restore Terrell Creek and its surrounding watershed.

The Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) created a recovery plan for the creek and is committed to helping revive and sustain viable populations of salmon in the creek. The local refinery, British Petroleum, has donated hundreds of acres towards the effort, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has restored large areas of the creek and watershed. In 2007, we replaced a culvert that was a barrier for fish beneath the north-south portion of SR 548 – Blaine Road.

The existing culvert beneath the east-west portion of SR 548 – Grandview Road – was a barrier for fish. During summer low water conditions in the creek, the culvert sits as high as 4 feet above the creek. And, when there are high water levels, the culvert creates a funnel-like effect and the velocity is too much for fish to pass through.